Well, this mentality seems to have taken a backseat when it comes to the modern child. Our kids are becoming victims of unhealthy lifestyles and inactivity. They are unmotivated and their health is deteriorating. We as parents need to reinforce what our parents taught us. That using our imaginations and using the resources God gave to us is enough to keep any child busy for hours. Furthermore, it's healthier for the children and you don't have to pay for it.
As parents, we need to remember that all kids, whether they are overweight or at a healthy weight, should be physically active and need to exercise regularly to be physically fit and to lead a healthy lifestyle. This doesn't mean your kids need to have some type of formal activity in their life, they just need to be kids who go outside and play. Please don't rely on the activity your kids get at school to be enough. It's important for them to be active at home as well.
How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children and teens must be "physically active for at least 60 minutes per day". Of course, it doesn't have to be a continuous 30 minutes a day.
Starting a fitness pattern
Kids don't like to go to health clubs or use home exercise equipment and they shouldn't be using this equipment. Kids should be acting like kids and running and playing in their yards, in their neighborhoods or joining some team sports they are interested in.
To get kids more active and more interested in exercise and fitness, it can help to:
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Involve the whole family in being more active. If you go out with your child to play or simply go for a walk, you will see your child will be quick to follow.
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Encourage your kids to use "active transportation" by using stairs instead of elevators and walk to school or to their friend's house or use a bicycle instead of always being driven.
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Support personal fitness and fun recreational activities. Sign-up for a fun run for charity or a walk for a special cause.
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Help your child find the sport that he/she likes. This could be a team sport, such as soccer, football, or an individual sport such as tennis, karate or dance.
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Encourage your child to help in household work and gardening. This will help them to be active while also encouraging some responsibility.
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Swimming is one of the all time popular choices with children and parents. Regular swimming sessions will not only teach children how to swim properly but it is one of the best forms of exercise and most kids love to swim.
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Encourage your child to stay fit and healthy by being fit and healthy yourself. Your kid will do what you do. If you enjoy exercise, then chances are he or she will also enjoy it. The key is to not push them to hard. If you do, they may rebel and end up hating it.
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Teach your children the importance of health and fitness at an early age. This will carry over as they get older.
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Enter your kids in competitions or help them to set goals. By doing this, your children will stay motivated, and by encouraging them, you can help them to enjoy being fit and healthy.
Regular exercise is excellent for kids, it may be done in any form. Exercise helps to build self confidence, your child will sleep better, he or she will have more energy, and it will decrease depression today and into the future. Most of all, it will encourage better overall health and development.